What is the recommended dosage for folic acid during pregnancy?

The recommended dosage of folic acid during pregnancy is 600 mcg daily. This dosage is essential for supporting fetal development and reducing the risk of neural tube defects. Folic acid, a B-vitamin, plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and cellular division, making it particularly important in the early stages of pregnancy when the embryo's neural tube is forming.

The increase in dosage from the typical recommendation for non-pregnant women (which is generally around 400 mcg) helps address the higher needs of women who are pregnant. This recommendation is based on guidelines published by health organizations, which highlight the importance of adequate folate levels to support both maternal health and optimal fetal development throughout the pregnancy. This dosage achieves a good balance of risk reduction for neural tube defects without the complications that might arise from higher doses, which may be necessary for specific cases such as previous pregnancies affected by neural tube defects or certain medical conditions, but are not typically recommended for all pregnant individuals.